Peek at the Past

100 Years Ago

February 21, 1924

At nine o'clock Monday morning patrons and students of Crook County High School met in the assembly hall to participate in the dedicatory exercises. The new building is resplendent in appointments and trimmings and evoked much admiration from visitors who were there for the first time. After the processional by Mrs. H. G. Schloredt, invocation by Rev. Schuelke, the program opened with "America the Beautiful," flag salute, and "Star Spangled Banner." Representing the high school, Elmer Smith gave an inspiring address on what the new building means to the student body, Charlotte Carr and Elaine Reed gave a pleasing vocal duet, and Grace Stanton read an original poem, "Farewell to the Old High." A piano solo by Mrs. Potter Bowman received hearty encore, as also did the selection by the male quartet. Supt. Brandt gave a brief history of educational growth in Sundance, introducing Judge Ilsley, the chief speaker of the day. Judge Ilsley was in happy vein and rose nicely to the spirit of this auspicious occasion.

The Zane Hotel is now in possession of a complete electric light plant and the result is a wonderful improvement in that popular institution. The new plant is a Willys, installed by E. L. Blodgett of Lead, and since the lights were first turned on it has been working smoothly and gives complete satisfaction to the hotel proprietor and patrons. Mr. and Mrs. Zane have justly gained an enviable reputation as caterers to the public, and the Zane is one of the most popular stopping places on the C. B. Highway. This latest improvement is a credit to them and a boost for Sundance.

75 Years Ago

February 24, 1949

A spectacular fire destroyed one of the man-made landmarks of Crook County late Friday night and early Saturday morning as the old Beulah hotel was burned to the ground. The fire broke out about 11 p. m. around a faulty flue on the top floor of the two-story structure. The flames were discovered by Johnny Olson who aroused the residents of the building, the families of Royal Mills and his son, Royal Jr. The entire town of Beulah was aroused and the Spearfish fire department was called to fight the fire. The flames spread rapidly through the frame building and the efforts of a bucket brigade from Sand creek and the Spearfish fire department were directed at preventing the spread of the fire to a nearby service station. Flames prevented the fire fighters from approaching the hotel and the reflection of the fire could be seen from Deadwood hill, about 25 miles from Beulah.

"Operation Snowbound" is a thing of the past in Crook County except the memories of those who will long remember the worst winter in the history of Wyoming. Operations of the Army and its equipment were suspended in this area at Midnight Thursday, February 24. The decision to withdraw came as roads throughout the county were rapidly cleared so that feed and supplies could be taken to all sections. Russell Thorpe, state coordinator of the operation, was advised that the program could be satisfactorily terminated Thursday. Midnight was set as the deadline for the operations. The personnel used in the Crook County emergencies will return to their homes. They reported that they were glad that their duties in this area had been completed. In fighting the elements in the county, "Operation Snowbound" used 23 pieces of equipment which were handled and directed by 50 men. According to figures released by the directors of the operation in the county, approximately 1500 miles of roads were opened, 40,000 head of livestock were reached and liberated and 1300 people were plowed out of snowbound farms and ranches.

25 Years Ago

February 25, 1999

Winners of the second annual County Fair Talent Show Contest were chosen at the event held Monday, Feb. 15 at Sundance. In the senior division, Seth Heinert's vocal solo, "Bobbie Anne Mason" was chosen first. Second place went to Shady Raoul's Wed and Bed Resort performing "Remember Me", composed of Jeremy Engel, Brandon Wahlfeldt, Mandy Marr, and Josh Burgess. The junior division first place winner was AC Bietz (Ashley Bietz) with the vocal solo, "I Think About You." Second place went to Jaime Adams, performing a vocal solo, "Maybe". She was accompanied by Connie Hubbard. The first and second place winners in the senior division are eligible to compete in the regional "Stars of Tomorrow" contest. All four winners will go to Wyoming's State Fair this coming summer to perform at the State Fair Talent Show contest. The event was sponsored by the Kiwanis.